The Student Room Group

Entry level roles after uni help

Hey so im doing a software engineering degree, but idk if i want to work in the field anymore :frown: but i still plan on finishing the degree

Im kinda thinking of making a plan / backup of what to do after uni lol, so i dont end up totally lost

the only work experience i have is tutoring and some volunteering (but not a lot tbh) ..so i figured id try to apply to grad schemes mostly, (probably in tech and audit/accounting - different ik lol), as i heard they dont expect a lot of experience?

then i figured if i dont get that id look for an entry level role somewhere, just in the mean time, while either continuing to search and waiting for the next recruitment cycle..

but my worry was..will having a degree put me at a disadvantage when applying to these roles? like i was just looking to see what they ask, kinda just as a guide..and some say gcse/a level education, but idk if putting my degree there means they may think ill leave if i get a better opportunity ? (if there is progression then id be okay with moving up for sure lol)

kinda scared of being stuck in the situation of overqualified for "entry level" but underqualified for grad jobs so im just looking for some advice and/or reassurance

thank you! :smile:
Reply 1
bump :smile:
Reply 2
I’d say it depends what type of entry level you mean - some jobs will be advertised as entry level but hire people with a degree and several years experience. Plenty of people will go to uni then work in 9-5 jobs that don’t technically need a degree, but where a degree is useful (like being able to group work, manage your time, problem solving etc.). On your CV you could empathise the soft skills you gained from your degree and your volunteering etc., and how they apply to the job. You could also try and get work through an agency where the contracts will be shorter. If you mean entry level as in a shop assistant, you might be better leaving your degree off your CV if possible.
Reply 3
Original post by 567tyu
I’d say it depends what type of entry level you mean - some jobs will be advertised as entry level but hire people with a degree and several years experience. Plenty of people will go to uni then work in 9-5 jobs that don’t technically need a degree, but where a degree is useful (like being able to group work, manage your time, problem solving etc.). On your CV you could empathise the soft skills you gained from your degree and your volunteering etc., and how they apply to the job. You could also try and get work through an agency where the contracts will be shorter. If you mean entry level as in a shop assistant, you might be better leaving your degree off your CV if possible.


*emphasise!
Reply 4
Original post by 567tyu
I’d say it depends what type of entry level you mean - some jobs will be advertised as entry level but hire people with a degree and several years experience. Plenty of people will go to uni then work in 9-5 jobs that don’t technically need a degree, but where a degree is useful (like being able to group work, manage your time, problem solving etc.). On your CV you could empathise the soft skills you gained from your degree and your volunteering etc., and how they apply to the job. You could also try and get work through an agency where the contracts will be shorter. If you mean entry level as in a shop assistant, you might be better leaving your degree off your CV if possible.

hey, i mean entry level as maybe like admin assistants, data entry, that sort of stuff

id like to work in the nhs probably in a non clinical role, maybe in IT but i figured id start in like band 2 or something, and then work my way up 🙂 do you think this is reasonable?

also..is tutoring + volunteer event organization stuff not that good work experience for a graduate? idk how much experience the employers will expect, so ive been quite stressed / anxious about that recently :frown:

thanks again!!
Reply 5
Original post by Al3x235
hey, i mean entry level as maybe like admin assistants, data entry, that sort of stuff
id like to work in the nhs probably in a non clinical role, maybe in IT but i figured id start in like band 2 or something, and then work my way up 🙂 do you think this is reasonable?
also..is tutoring + volunteer event organization stuff not that good work experience for a graduate? idk how much experience the employers will expect, so ive been quite stressed / anxious about that recently :frown:
thanks again!!


I’d say that sounds reasonable! Volunteering experience and tutoring is good, on my grad scheme that was what a lot of people had - they mainly look for motivation, soft skills, and numeracy. If there are any skills you think you’d like to work on, you could always see if your uni has any programmes or societies relating to them, or do some short courses/personal projects.
I really recommend grad schemes at large companies , the roles are very broad so you won’t be stuck just doing one thing, and the opportunity for progression into new roles and fields are great! Some graduate schemes don’t need you to have specific degrees for their roles , they usually ask you to complete a assessment online and if you pass that then you usually get invited to assessment centres

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